Detroit Lions DT Nick Fairley's confidence was evident this offseason

"He hasn't been healthy enough to be on the field for a long enough time for us, and that's his biggest challenge." - Jim Schwartz

Detroit Lions defensive tackle Nick Fairley, left, defensive back Bill Bentley, center, and defensive end Willie Young goof around for photographers after their final workout at NFL football minicamp.AP Photo

ALLEN PARK -- Detroit Lions defensive tackle Nick Fairley displayed more confidence this offseason during workouts than most observers have seen since he has entered the NFL.

Fairley was very vocal during every practice. He routinely challenged teammate Ndamukong Suh during individual drills at practice - and routinely won. The former first-round draft pick was high energy from start to finish. Fairley not only predicted Suh and he would form the NFL's best defensive tackle tandem, but placed Super Bowl expectations on the Lions.

"I sat down with Kris (Kocurek) before OTAs and the offseason workouts," Fairley said. "He was like, 'Nick, what's one of your goals?' I was like, 'Really, Kris, to bring energy to our team. Be that guy who the team looks to when we're down in a game. I'm going to be the guy that's like 'Hey, it's not over.' A guy that is really going to pump everyone up.

"That is what I was looking for this offseason. To just let guys know this offseason that I'm going to be here for you guys, and we're going to be here to get ready to work."

Fairley definitely worked hard this offseason.

He only missed one offseason workout that was open to the media. When Fairley was in attendance, he was clearly Detroit's defensive leader.

"He came in (two years ago) a little wet behind the ears and just happy to be here, like any rookie in a great situation with a pocket full of money," Lions receiver Nate Burleson said. "Now I think he understands that not only does he need to prove he's one of the top guys in his position, but we need him to be that in order to be successful.

"We need him to be that in order for Suh to be successful. We need that trickle-down effect on the d-line so that can effect the linebackers, and in turn, effect the secondary. He's starting to understand that he's not just a small piece to a huge puzzle. He's a huge piece to a regular-sized puzzle."

Fairley has been a missing piece since he was drafted in 2011.

As a rookie, Fairley had surgery on his injured foot during training camp and missed significant time. Fairley missed more time during the season after a second foot injury, and sustained another foot injury during the playoffs against the New Orleans Saints.

Last season, Fairley was placed on injured reserve after sustaining a shoulder injury against the Green Bay Packers on December 9.

"He's never lacked confidence," Lions coach Jim Schwartz said. "He hasn't been healthy enough to be on the field for a long enough time for us, and that's his biggest challenge. He's got work to do between now and the start of training camp. It's not just talent, it's not just confidence, it's availability.

"For his first two years he wasn't available enough for us and this will be a big year for him to be on the field consistently for us. We've seen some other guys be in that situation, you know, (Matthew) Stafford included. Stafford wasn't on the field enough as a first- and second-year player. You know, he seems to have put some of that stuff behind him, and we need Nick to do the same thing."